Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
computer paper

computer paper

1 2.3
Long paper with holes along the sides used in old printers like dot-matrix
  • noun
  • /kəmˈpjuːtər ˈpeɪpər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : papel continuo
  • I'm a little short this month, and I need to get some computer paper so I can write to you.

Examples

  • Kendra was expecting a large sheaf of computer paper piled up on the gas chromatograph printer and was surprised to see only two sheets.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • Another big source is office and computer paper.

    Academic text (1995)

  • Save the expensive computer paper.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • This is computer paper.

    Courageous (2011)

  • Use of recycled or biodegradable paper products (such as plates, towels, napkins, coffee filters, computer paper, and other goods) is also widespread.

    Academic text (2006)

  • I lay perfectly still and cudgeled my wits, but all that came to mind were some sheets of computer paper on which a code had been worked out by me and a couple of guys named Charlie and Steve, my best friends since earliest childhood, no offense to the two Ricks.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • The issue of market forces was in evidence in numerous panels, whose discussions ranged from the impact of foreign patrons and tourist arts to the location of recording studios and cassette manufacture, from the availability of oil paint and computer paper to the nature of galleries and museum venues.

    Academic text (1995)

  • The report was printed neatly on computer paper for the meeting.

  • He bought a ream of computer paper for his old dot-matrix printer.

  • We need to make sure we have enough computer paper for the print jobs this week.

Synonyms

fanfold
vscomputer paper
  • Archaic
6.7

Paper in a long zigzag stack for use in printers

is a single unbroken strip with perforated edges and feed holes

Surface Forms

computer paper singular
computer papers plural

Morphology

computer + paper

The compound follows a straightforward modifier + head noun pattern: 'computer' specifies the kind of 'paper', so a learner who knows both words can infer it is paper used with computers (e.g., for printing). While the exact technical subtype (continuous, perforated tractor-feed paper) might require exposure, the general meaning is compositionally predictable and cross-linguistically common.

Etymology

The noun computer paper comes from early printers attached to a computer, which used long, joined sheets of paper with holes down the sides so the machine could feed them. That's why 'computer paper' refers to this special kind of printer paper today.